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Your Toothpaste Shopping Guide

relaxed smiling woman in dental chair before treatment

All dentists agree that patients should brush twice a day for optimal oral health. This means you will buy countless tubes of toothpaste over the course of your lifetime. If you’ve ever gone to the supermarket or drug store to buy toothpaste, however, you will quickly discover that there is more than one variety. In fact, choosing a brand and type of toothpaste can be an overwhelming task.

While some of it comes down to your personal preferences, like gel or paste, there are some core components that you need to make sure your toothpaste has. Remember that the primary purpose of your toothpaste is to fight cavities and disease.

To help you make the best toothpaste purchase, here’s a breakdown of toothpaste ingredients and what to look for.

Basic Ingredients

In general, all toothpastes contain these basic ingredients:

  • Abrasive Agents – to help remove food debris, stains and bacteria
  • Flavor – usually artificial sweeteners of mint, cinnamon or bubble gum for kids
  • Humectants –moisturizing agents that keep the toothpaste from drying out
  • Thickeners – to give the paste or gel its consistency and easy flow out of the tube
  • Detergents – a cleaning agent that gives toothpaste its ability to form suds (sodium lauryl sulfate)

Does Your Toothpaste Have These Non-Negotiable Components?

While there are toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth and those to help whiten teeth, there are some key components of your toothpaste that are not add-ons or optional. Look for a toothpaste that contains the following:

Fluoride – Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for strengthening tooth enamel and fighting decay. Make sure you and your child’s toothpaste is fluoridated.

Tartar Control – Tartar occurs when plaque hardens on the teeth or gum line, which can trigger cavities and gum disease. While a professional dental cleaning is the best way to remove this stubborn substance once it forms, a tartar control or anti-plaque toothpaste can help prevent tartar from developing in the first place. Common ingredients that accomplish this are zinc citrate or pyrophosphates.

The American Dental Association seal – Last but not least, don’t buy a toothpaste unless it displays the ADA seal of approval, which means that most dentists agree on and endorse the product to do what it says it will do.

Now that you understand how to narrow down your choices in which toothpaste to buy, be sure to use this critical oral hygiene product at least twice a day. Brushing after meals is ideal, but try to wait at least an hour to brush if you’ve just consumed acidic foods or liquids. In addition, don’t assume your brushing efforts at home (as diligent as they may be) are a substitute for professional teeth cleanings from your dentist.

At Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we still want to see you every six months for your routine dental care visit. Need more help determining which type of toothbrush, toothpaste or flossing product is best for your specific smile needs? We can help you at our Charleston dental clinic.

Posted on behalf of Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

538 Savannah Hwy
Charleston, SC 29407

Phone: (843) 507-5481

FAX: (843) 577-4653

Email:

Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm

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Absolutely phenomenal dental office. Not only are the dentists outstanding at their craft but, like every person in the office, they are incredibly friendly and genuine. And that is so important. I earnestly recommend Peninsula if you are looking for the highest quality care, expertise and, equally important, quality people. I would give them 10 stars if I could.
Matthew W. L.
The BEST dentist. Megan the hygienist is always so professional and thorough! Every time I have a visit here the staff from the front desk to back are always so efficient and courteous. Dr. McPherson is an amazing dentist and always takes time to explain everything in a way that makes sense. I will only go to Peninsula for all my dental needs!
Dana M.
Excellent staff and excellent experience from entering until leaving. Dr. McPherson is terrific!! Her assistant Kate is very knowledgeable and caring. I felt like I had two dentist attending to me. This was my first visit to this practice. I’ll always remain a patient due to my experience
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Meet Our Doctors

Dr. James B. Wisner

Dr. James B. Wisner was raised in Charleston and attended Porter-Gaud High School. He graduated from The Honors College at The University of South Carolina in 1996 and received his D.M.D. degree in 2002 from the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Wisner served in Las Vegas, Nevada and Spangdahlem, Germany as a Captain in the United States Air Force for three years where he completed an AEGD residency and was certified in Intravenous Conscious Sedation.

Dr. Caitlin McPherson

Dr. Caitlin McPherson was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. A graduate of Porter Gaud High School, she went on to receive her Bachelors of Science from Clemson University’s Calhoun Honors College. Dr. McPherson earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Dental Medicine. She is an active member of The American Dental Association and The Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. McPherson performs all aspects of general dentistry and is Invisalign certified. Dr. McPherson especially enjoys treating pediatric patients.

Address

538 Savannah Hwy
Charleston, SC 29407

Phone (843) 507-5481
Fax (843) 577-4653
Email

Opening Hours

Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm

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